Real Estate Blog - February, 2026

Best Suburbs for First-Time Homebuyers Near Austin: Space, Value, Schools, and Community

Posted by Ryan Rodenbeck on February 23rd, 2026

Looking for the best suburbs near Austin for first-time homebuyers? The short answer: Kyle, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Leander, and Buda consistently rise to the top when you balance price, schools, commute, and long-term value. But the right choice really depends on your budget, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use Austin's core.

Buying your first home is already a big decision. In the Austin metro, that decision gets more layered when you factor in rising inventory, softer prices compared to the 2022 peak, and a wider spread of new construction across the surrounding suburbs.

The good news is that the market has shifted toward buyers in much of the region. Many first-time buyers who felt priced out two years ago now have more options, more time…

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Buying a Short Sale in Austin: What to Inspect, Ask, and Expect | Spyglass Realty

Posted by Ryan Rodenbeck on February 22nd, 2026

Thinking about buying a short sale in Austin? Short sales can offer real value in today's market, but they come with a process unlike anything in a standard home purchase. The lender, not the seller, holds the decision-making power. The property is sold as-is. And the timeline is longer than most buyers expect.

This guide covers what to inspect, what to ask before you make an offer, and what to realistically expect from start to finish, so you can decide if a short sale fits your goals.

What Is a Short Sale? (And How Is It Different From a Foreclosure?)

A short sale happens when a homeowner sells their property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, and the lender agrees to accept those reduced proceeds. The seller still owns the…

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NYC Relocations: Best Austin Neighborhoods for Former New Yorkers

Posted by Ryan Rodenbeck on February 20th, 2026

If you are moving from NYC to Austin, one of the first questions you will probably ask is: which neighborhoods actually feel like a real city? Austin is not Manhattan. But within it, you will find pockets that carry the same sense of energy that makes walkable urban living so appealing in the first place.

You know what it feels like to step outside and have a coffee shop, a park, a bookstore, and three great restaurants all within a ten-minute walk. You want that rhythm in Austin. And it is possible, just in a different form.

Austin is largely car-dependent in its outer rings, but its core neighborhoods tell a different story. Walk scores of 80 and above are achievable. Farmers markets, neighborhood bars, live music, and tree-lined sidewalks all…

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